Anxiety vs. OCD: What’s the Difference?
If you’re dealing with non stop worry, intrusive thoughts, or just feeling totally overwhelmed by anxiety, you’re not alone. A lot of people struggle with anxiety, but not all mental health conditions that cause anxiety are the same. Two that often get mixed up are Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). While they have some things in common, they’re actually pretty different.
What is Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?
People with GAD feel most of the time—and not just about one thing, but pretty much everything. Work, relationships, health, money—if it’s possible to worry about it, someone with GAD probably has. And the worry isn’t just occasional; it’s almost constant and hard (or impossible) to turn off, even when things are going okay.
Signs of GAD:
Your brain jumps to the worst-case scenario, no matter the situation
You feel anxious most of the time, even when there’s no clear reason
You can’t stop overthinking, no matter how much reassurance you get
Your body feels on edge—tense muscles, restlessness, exhaustion
You have trouble focusing or sleeping because your mind won’t slow down
If you have GAD, the anxiety feels widespread—it’s not tied to one specific fear, and there’s no ritual or behavior that makes it go away.
What is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?
OCD is different from general anxiety because it’s driven by obsessions (unwanted, intrusive thoughts or fears) and compulsions (repetitive behaviors or mental acts). The obsessive thoughts can be about anything—fear of germs, doubts about safety, or even distressing thoughts that don’t align with your values. To cope, people with OCD develop compulsions, like overthinking (rumination), repeatedly checking, washing, or repeating phrases, to try to get rid of the anxiety.
Signs of OCD:
Your brain latches onto one specific fear (e.g., “What if I left the stove on?” or “What if I accidentally hurt someone?”)
The thought is persistent and distressing, and no amount of logic or reassurance makes it go away
You feel an overwhelming urge to do something (a compulsion) to make the thought feel “safe” or neutralized
The compulsions take up a lot of time and interfere with daily life
You might know the thoughts or behaviors don’t make sense, but stopping them feels impossible
Unlike GAD, where worry is more general, OCD anxiety is tied to a specific fear and a compulsion to “fix” it.
How Are GAD and OCD Different?
Can You Have Both GAD and OCD?
Yep, and it’s actually not that uncommon. Some people deal with both constant, general worry (GAD) and specific intrusive thoughts/compulsions (OCD) at the same time. If that sounds like you, therapy can help you sort through what’s what and develop a plan to manage both.
How to Get Help
The good news? Both GAD and OCD are very treatable. Therapy (especially Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT) can help you challenge anxious thoughts, and in the case of OCD, Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is one of the best ways to break free from compulsions. Sometimes, medication can also be helpful.
I specialize in working with people who struggle with anxiety and OCD, using research-backed methods to help you spend less time worrying and more time enjoying life. If you’re ready to start feeling better, let’s talk!
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been stuck in a cycle of worry, overthinking, or compulsive behaviors, know that you’re not alone—and more importantly, you don’t have to keep living like this. Understanding what’s going on is the first step, and the next step? Getting the right support to help you move forward.
Whenever you're ready, I’m here to help.
